Dave

I am planning to go to Big Bend later in January. I am not quite sure if is the time to go but it is what works out on the calendar and I have been dying to go for a while.

I am looking for suggestions on what campsites to stay at. I have a 4wd vehicle so am not limited to the main roads. Also any suggestions on hikes to take would be most appreciated...

Thanks...

Dave

BigBendHiker

January would be a great time to go. The cooler weather allows for great hiking in the desert areas that are just too hot to venture into very much during the summer months. Also, with a 4WD, you can go down River Road East or West and visit the Mariscal Mine Historic District. Head down Maverick Road as well and check out Luna's Jacal.

As far as camping goes, you cannot beat The Basin campground, but if you want some solitude, try the campsites out around Glenn Springs, Grapevine Hills or those along River Road. The basin can get kinda full sometimes.

As far as hikes, there are too many to mention, but the more memorable ones for me include: Window Trail, Lost Mine Trail, Hot Springs, Laguna Meadows, Chimney Trail, Burro Mesa Pour-Off, Grapevine Hills. Hiking to Emory Peak offers a great view for many miles. It is a somewhat strenous hike (have not made it myself) as I understand, but well worth it.

If you have time, head over to Terlingua and watch the sunset on the Chisos from the porch of the Terlingua Store. The colors are just incredible. The store was the company store for the Chisos Mining Company (mined cinnabar for mercury) in the early 1900's. Kenneth Ragsdale's book "Quicksilver: Terlingua and the Chisos Mining Company" is an excellent accounting of the mining in the Terlingua district in the early 1900's.

01ACRViper

What kind of camping are you looking for? there are dozens of options for roadside sites, primitave hike-in sites, are car camping. The Basin, like BB hiker mentioned, is the most spectacular, though any of the sites in the area right in or around the Chisos will be jsut as beautiful. I've stayed at the Pine Canyon #2, Grapevine Hills #4, Elephant Tusk, Gravel Pit, McKinney Spring and Telephone Canyon. These are all nice and beautiful, though gravel piut isn't the most scenic. I would reccomend the Basin, that is where i play on staying in January as well. The basin is also a great place to stay because of the proximity to the chisos jiking trails, of which there are many. if you wanna get off the trail to do some hiking, check out my pages here -> http://www.summitpost.org/show/mount...untain_id/4794 on the left toolbar are links to the other Big Bend peaks, including hundreds of pictures to help plan your trip.

feel free to ask anything if you have more questions.

toejam

If I get to go in January I'll try to camp on the southeast rim of the Chisos before they close it off for falcon breeding. Its the best view in Texas. When I have a high-clearance vehicle again I want to drive/camp/explore/hike on the Old Ore Road and the River Road.

Dave

Thanks to all of you for your posts. You guys sound like you really know the area well.

It sounds like there are plenty of options. I have taken a map and marked it up with all of your suggestions. We will probably start at the basin and go from there. I am thinking that one night we might want to do a remote site along one of the back roads. Of the sites you mentioned, do you have a favorite?

It has been such a long time since I have been out there I have forgotten how cool it is. It sounds like I will have to plan several return visits already.

Thanks again...

Dave